Mobile communication device and method for reducing exposure to radio frequency energy during transmissions

ABSTRACT

A mobile communication device and method for reducing exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy during outgoing and incoming transmissions. During outgoing transmissions, media is stored in a local storage element on the mobile communication device as the media is being created. When the device is positioned a safe distance away from the user, the media is transmitted out of storage over the network to the recipient. Alternatively for incoming transmissions, media is stored on the network as it is created. While the wireless communication device is a safe distance away from the user, the media stored on the network is transmitted to the mobile communication device, where it is locally stored. The user of the mobile communication device can then review the incoming media at an arbitrary later time out of storage. As a result, the exposure of the user of the mobile communication device to RF energy for both outgoing and incoming transmissions is either substantially reduced or eliminated altogether.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/120,288 filed Dec. 5, 2008, entitled “Communication System and Method”, incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to electronic communications, and more particularly, to a mobile communication device and method for reducing exposure to radio frequency energy during transmissions.

2. Description of Related Art

Mobile telephones and other wireless communication devices generate radio frequency (RF) energy during both outgoing and incoming transmissions. The main source of the RF energy is produced through the antenna of the device, which is typically either embedded in or affixed to the device itself. During a call, the antenna is often placed adjacent to the head of the user. The closer the antenna is to the head, the greater the level of exposure to RF energy.

The intensity of the RF energy emitted by a mobile telephone or other wireless communication devices depends on the strength of the radio signal sent to or from the nearest base station. When a call is placed from a mobile phone for example, a radio signal is sent from the antenna of the phone to the nearest base station. The base station routes the call through a switching center, where the call is transferred to another mobile telephone, another base station, or a landline telephone system. The farther the mobile telephone is from the base station, the higher the power level of the radio signal needed to maintain the connection. This distance determines, in part, the amount of RF energy exposure to the user.

A number of other factors also determine the amount of RF exposure to the user. These factors may include (i) the number of calls in which the user participates, (ii) the duration of the calls, (iii) the quality of the transmissions, (iv) the amount of traffic on the wireless network during the calls, and (v) the possible use of a hands-free device.

Currently there is a great deal of concern that RF energy produced by mobile phones and other wireless communication devices may affect the brain and nervous system of users. Since devices are usually held close to the head, medical researchers have focused on whether RF energy can cause either malignant or nonmalignant tumors in the brain, in and around the ears, the spinal cord and surrounding areas. Consequently numerous studies have been performed to investigate the relationship between mobile telephone usage and the risk of developing tumors. Although results of these studies have been inconclusive to date, the link between the use of mobile phones and cancer remains a significant fear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A mobile communication device and method for reducing exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy during outgoing and incoming transmissions is disclosed. During outgoing transmissions, media is stored in a local storage element on the mobile communication device as the media is being created. When the device is positioned a safe distance away from the user, the media is transmitted out of storage over the network to the recipient. Alternatively for incoming transmissions, media is stored on the network as it is created. While the wireless communication device is a safe distance away from the user, the media stored on the network is transmitted to the mobile communication device, where it is locally stored. The user of the mobile communication device can then review the incoming media at an arbitrary later time out of storage. As a result, the exposure of the user of the mobile communication device to RF energy for both outgoing and incoming transmissions is either substantially reduced or eliminated altogether.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating how an RF protection mode on a mobile communication device protects a user from exposure from RF energy by enabling the user to create media and then transmit the media in a burst mode when the device is a safe distance away from the user.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a client application configured to run on mobile communication devices according to the invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the sequence for the creation and subsequent transmission of media from a mobile communication device in the RF protection mode according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a communication network according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the sequence for receiving and rendering media at a mobile communication device in the RF protection mode in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a communication device according to the present invention.

It should be noted that like reference numbers refer to like elements in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to various embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the invention may be practiced without using some of the implementation details set forth herein. It should also be understood that well known operations have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, diagrams are shown illustrating how an RF protection mode on a mobile communication device 13 protects a user 10 from exposure to RF energy during outgoing transmissions. In FIG. 1A, the user 10 of the device 13 is creating media for an outgoing transmission. With the RF protection mode, however, the media is locally stored in device 13, rather than being transmitted as it is created as with a conventional phone call. In FIG. 1B, the media is transmitted in a burst mode after the device 13 has been moved or otherwise positioned a safe distance away from the head of the user 10. By transmitting from storage when the device 13 is no longer adjacent the head of the user 10, the amount of RF exposure, and the accompanying tumor risks, are substantially reduced or altogether eliminated.

In the example of FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate the typically situation of how and when the RF protection mode is implemented. It should be understood, however, that this example should not be construed as limiting. The positioning of the device 13 a safe distance away from the user is not necessarily limited to just away from the head of the user. Rather a “safe” distance or position should be construed as any position or distance that limits or otherwise reduces the amount of RF exposure to the user. For example, a safe distance or position may mean entirely away from the body of the user, a predetermined distance away from the head or body of the user, when the user is in a different room or location from the device 13 during burst transmission, etc. Thus “safe” distance or position is intended to be broadly construed to mean any distance or position that results in reduced RF exposure during voice transmissions in the burst mode, relative to the transmission of the media as the media is being created.

Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram of a client application 12 intended to run on a mobile communication device 13 is shown. The client 12 includes a Multiple Conversation Management System (MCMS) module 14, a Store and Stream module 16, and an interface 18 provided between the two modules. As described in detail in co-pending, commonly assigned U.S. application Ser. No. 12/028,400 (U.S. Patent Publication 2009/0003558), Ser. No. 12/253,833 (U.S. Patent Publication 2009/0168760), Ser. No. 12/253,820 (U.S. Patent Publication 2009/0168759) and Ser. No. 12/253,833 (U.S. Patent Publication 2009/0168760), all incorporated herein by reference, the client application 12 enables new modes of communication. More specifically, the client application 12 enables devices 13 to engage in conversations either (i) synchronously in a near real-time mode, similar to a conventional “live” phone call or (ii) asynchronously in a time-shifted mode, and (iii) provides the ability to seamlessly transition a conversation between the two modes (i) and (ii). The key modules and services of the client application 12 are briefly described below. For a more detailed explanation, see the above-listed co-pending applications.

The MCMS module 14 includes a user interface module 14A for supporting audio and video functions on the device 13. A rendering/encoding module 14B is provided for performing rendering and encoding tasks. A contact services module 14C manages and maintains the information needed for creating and maintaining contact lists (e.g., telephone numbers and/or email addresses). A presence status service module 14D is provided for sharing the online status of the user 10 of the device 13 with others, and to also indicate the online status of others on the network. Finally, the MCMS database 14E stores and manages the meta data for conversations conducted using the device 13.

The Store and Stream module 16 includes a PIMB 16A for progressively and simultaneously storing in a time-indexed format outgoing and incoming media. Encoder hardware 16B is provided encoding media, such as voice, generated using the device 13 as the media is being created. Media drivers/encoders 16C are provided for (a) driving media generating components, such as a speaker and/or a display and (b) encoding the media created on device 13, using for example a microphone, camera, keyboard, mouse, touch-sensitive display, etc., either located on or associated with device 13. A wireless network interface 16D connects the device 13 to a wireless network. Encode receive module 16E is provided for receiving, encoding, and storing the media created using the device 13 in the PIMB 16A in the time-indexed format. The net receive module 16F performs the function of storing in the PIMB 16A the media received from others over the network in the time-indexed format. The transmit module 16G is responsible for transmitting the media of messages created on the device 13 to other recipients over the network, either as the media is being created or out of the PIMB 16A. Finally, the render module 16H enables the user of the device 13 to control the rendering of media either (i) in the near real-time mode or (ii) in the time-shifted mode out of the PIMB 16A and (iii) to seamlessly transition between the two modes (i) and (ii). The elements 16A through 16AH of the store and stream module 16 operate progressively and simultaneously with each other. As a result, media may be simultaneously and progressively encoded, stored in the PIMB 16A, and transmitted as the media is created using the device 13. Alternatively, incoming media may also be simultaneously and progressively stored in the PIMB 16 and rendered.

The RF protection mode is preferably implemented just in the time-shifted mode. When a user wishes to engage in a conversation “live” in the near real-time mode, then the RF protection mode is turned off. With time-shifted conversations, however, the RF protection feature is on, protecting the user during both outgoing and incoming transmissions. In various embodiments, the RF protection mode can automatically be switched between on and off, depending on if the user 10 is communicating in either the real-time mode or the time-shifted mode respectively. In other embodiments, the user 10 may manually set the RF protection mode either on or off.

Referring to FIG. 3, a flow diagram illustrating the sequence for the transmission of media from a mobile communication device 13 in the RF protection mode is shown. In the initial step 302, media is created, typically when the user 10 is holding the device 13 next to his head, and is speaking into the microphone. As the media is being created, it is stored in the PIMB 16A (step 304). Next it is determined (decision 306) if the RF protection mode is on or off. If not implemented (i.e., off), then the media is simultaneously and progressively transmitted (step 312) as it is being created (302) and stored (304) in the PIMB 16A.

When the RF protection mode is implemented (i.e., on), then it is determined (decision 308) if the media is either time-sensitive or not time sensitive. If the recipient is online and rendering the media “live” in the real-time mode, as determined by the presence status service module 14D, then the media is considered time-sensitive. Since the media is time-sensitive, it is simultaneously and progressively transmitted (step 312) as the media is created. A live conversation therefore overrides the RF protection mode feature with certain embodiments embodiments.

If the recipient is not rendering the media “live” in the near real-time mode, then it is assumed that the media is not time-sensitive. As the media is not time-sensitive, there is no reason to transmit the media to the recipient as the media is created. Accordingly with non time-sensitive media, it is continually determined (decision 310) if the device 13 is a safe distance away from the user 10. If the distance is not safe, typically because the user is still talking into the device 13, then the media is not transmitted. When the user is eventually done creating the message, and the device 13 is positioned a safe distance away, for example by placing the device 13 on a desk or other location away from the head of the user, then the media is transmitted (step 312) out of the PIMB 16A in a burst mode. By transmitting the created media only after the device 13 is positioned at a safe location, the amount of RF exposure to the user 10 is reduced or substantially eliminated.

The process described above protects a user 10 of a device 13 from RF energy during the transmission of outgoing messages. The RF protection mode, however, can also protect a user from RF energy during the transmissions of incoming messages as explained below.

Referring to FIG. 4, a diagram of a communication services network 40 is shown. The communication services network 40 includes one or more servers 42. One or more client 12 enabled communication devices 13 are connected to the network 40 through one or more networks 44 respectively. In various embodiments, the networks 44 may each be the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a cellular network based on CDMA or GSM for example, the Internet, a tactical radio network, any other communication network, or a combination thereof. The communication services network 40 is a network layer on top of or otherwise in communication with the underlying networks 44. In various embodiments, the network layer 40 is either heterogeneous or homogeneous. The individual communication devices 13 may communicate with one another through one or more server 42 hops across the communication services network 40 and their underlying network 44 respectively.

The one or more servers 42 run a communication application responsible for routing the meta data used to set up and support conversations as well as route the actual media of conversations between communication devices 13. The communication application on the servers 42 is very similar to client application 12, except many of the rendering and encoding modules are removed, since these functions are typically not performed at server 42 locations on the network 40. In one specific embodiment, the application is the server application described in commonly assigned co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/028,400 (U.S Patent Publication No. 2009/0003558), Ser. No. 12/192,890 (U.S Patent Publication No. 2009/0103521), and Ser. No. 12/253,833 (U.S Patent Publication No. 2009/0168760), each incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

The communication application running on the servers 42 include a PIMB. With a PIMB located at each server 42, media may be stored on the network 40. With storage on the network, media may be transmitted to the communication device 13 of a recipient only when it is safe to do so, rather than when the media is created. As a result, the recipient user 10 may be protected from RF energy during incoming transmissions.

Referring to FIG. 5, a flow diagram illustrating the sequence for receiving media at a mobile communication device 13 in the RF protection mode is shown. In the initial step 502, the recipient notifies the network 40 that the RF protection mode is implemented (i.e., on). In various embodiments, the recipient may notify the network 40 in any number of ways, for example, by using their client 12 enabled communication device 13, or by using another communication device. In the latter embodiment, the recipient may use their personal computer to notify the network 40 to implement the RF protection mode for their mobile phone for example, or vice-versa.

In response, all incoming media is stored in the PIMB of the one of more server 42 hops on the network 40 (step 504) between the sending and receiving devices 13. In accordance with various embodiments, the notification may be explicit or may be inferred. For example, the recipient device 13 may send an explicit command signal to the network, requesting that the RF protection mode be implemented. Alternatively, the RF protection mode may be implemented based on the behavior of the recipient. If the recipient is not using their device 13 during a “live” conversation in the real-time mode, the device may automatically notify the network 40 to implement the RF protection mode. Regardless of how the RF protection is implemented, incoming media is stored in at least one PIMB on the one or more server 42 hops on the network 40, without immediately being forwarded to the recipient. In subsequent step 506, the network is notified with a “safe-to-transmit” message when the communication device 13 is placed a safe distance from the recipient. In reply, the media is transmitted (step 508) from the at least one PIMB to the device 13 of the recipient. The media is then locally stored in the PIMB 16A (step 510) on device 13, whereupon the media is available for rendering by the user at an arbitrary later time (step 512).

The safe-to transmit message may be generated in response to an explicit input from the recipient user 10. For example, a recipient may wish to retrieve his/her messages stored on the network 40, with little to no exposure to RF energy. To do so, the recipient may enter an explicit command, which causes the safe-to-transmit message to be sent to the network 40 as soon as the device 13 is placed a safe distance away. In another embodiment, the recipient user may set a timer, which causes the safe-to-transmit message to be sent to the network 40 after a predetermined period of time. So long as the user 10 places the device 13 in a safe location, the user 10 will not be exposed to RF energy when the incoming transmission occurs after the predetermined period of time. In yet another embodiment, the safe-to-transmit message may automatically be generated whenever the device 13 is in a safe position away from the user. As a result whenever a sender creates media when it is safe to transmit, the media will immediately be transmitted to the device 13. In variations of this embodiment, the media may or may not also be stored in the at least one PIMB of the one or more server 42 hops.

Referring to FIG. 6, a block diagram of a communication device 13 according to the present invention is shown. The communication device 13 includes, besides the client application 12, an RF protection mode setting element 62, a position detection element 64, a network notification element 66, and a core processor 68. The client application 12 and elements 62 through 66 are all configured to run on or cooperate with the core processor 68. In various embodiments, the core processor 68 may be either a microprocessor or microcontroller used to execute many of the features and functions on the device 13. Elements 62 through 66 may each be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of both.

The RF protection mode setting element 62 is responsible for implementing the RF protection mode on device 13 into either the on (set) or off (reset) state. When in the RF protection mode is on, the device 13 initiates the sequence described above with regard to FIGS. 3 and 5 for incoming and outgoing transmissions respectively. When off, the device 13 operates without these RF protection measures, allowing outgoing and incoming transmissions to occur as media is created. As noted above the RF protection mode element 62 may be either manually or automatically set, depending on the behavior or intent of the user 10, the position of the device 13 relative to the user, one or more preset conditions, or any combination thereof.

The position detection element 64 is responsible for determining if the device 13 is a safe distance away from the user 10. In one embodiment, a safe distance is determined by how close or far the device 13 is from the head of the user. In different embodiments, various other criteria may be used, such as the distance from the body of the user, or the placement of the device 13 in a known safe place, such as a docking station or in another room. The position detection element 64 may rely on a number of different embodiments, such as but not limited to, a motion detector to determine when the device 13 is no longer being held by the user 10, a capacitance and/or resistive sensor to determine when the device 13 is no longer in contact with the user 10, an image detector to determine when the device 13 is no longer being held near the head of the user 10, a timer which times the transmission of media a predetermined period of time after the timer has been set, or any combination of the above. The above-listed embodiments for the position detection element 64 should not be construed as limiting. It should be understood that any position detection method or element could be used.

The network notification element 64 is responsible for generating and transmitting the network notification signal and the safe-to-transmit signal from device 13 to the network 40. The network notification signal is generated in response to RF protection mode setting element 62. The safe-to transmit signal is generated in response to the position detection element 64. In both cases, the signals are sent from the device 13 to the servers 42 through the network 44 connecting the device 13 to the network 40.

In the above description, the device 13 was described as a mobile phone. It should be understood that the RF protection feature, as described herein, could be used with any wireless communication device, including but not limited to a wireless phone, a cellular phone, a mobile phone, a satellite phone, a computer, a radio, a tactical radio, or a satellite radio.

Although many of the components and processes are described above in the singular for convenience, it will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that multiple components and repeated processes can also be used to practice the techniques of the system and method described herein. Further, while the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in the form and details of the disclosed embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, embodiments of the invention may be employed with a variety of components and should not be restricted to the ones mentioned above. It is therefore intended that the invention be interpreted to include all variations and equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A method, comprising: receiving voice media created by a user of a wireless communication device as the user speaks into the wireless communication device, the voice media for transmission over a wireless network to a recipient; determining at the wireless communication device if the voice media is either time-sensitive or not time-sensitive, the voice media being considered time-sensitive when the recipient is rendering the voice media “live” in a real-time mode and not time-sensitive when the recipient is not rendering the voice media live in the real-time mode; storing the voice media at the wireless communication device if the voice media is determined to be not time-sensitive; determining when the wireless communication device is placed at a safe position away from the user; and transmitting the not time-sensitive voice media from storage when the wireless communication device is positioned at the safe position away from the user.
 2. The method of claim 1, comprising transmitting the voice media from the wireless communication device to the recipient over the wireless network as the voice media is being created when the voice media is determined to be time-sensitive.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein determining if the voice media is time-sensitive or not time-sensitive further comprises ascertaining if the recipient has explicitly declared an intent to review the voice media “live” in the real-time mode.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein determining if the voice media is time-sensitive or not time-sensitive further comprises inferring from the behavior of the recipient if the recipient intends to render the voice media live in the real-time mode.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein storing the voice media further comprises storing the voice media in a time-indexed format.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing the voice media determined to be time-sensitive.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein determining when the wireless communication device has been placed at the safe position away from the user further comprises one of the following: (i) relying on a motion detector embedded in the wireless communication device to determine when the wireless communication device is no longer being held by the user; (ii) relying on a capacitance sensor embedded in the wireless communication device to determine when the wireless communication device is no longer in contact with the user; (iii) relying on a resistive sensor embedded in the wireless communication device to determine when the wireless communication device is no longer in contact with the user; (iv) relying on an image detector embedded in the wireless communication device to determine when the wireless communication device is no longer being held near the head of the user; (v) relying on a timer which times the transmission of the not time-sensitive voice media from storage a predetermined period of time after the timer has been set; or (vi) any combination of (i) through (v).
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein determining when the wireless communication device has been placed at the safe position away from the user further comprises determining when the wireless communication device has been placed away from the head of the user.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device is one of the following: (i) a wireless phone; (ii) a cellular phone; (iii) a mobile phone; (iv) a satellite phone; (v) a computer; (vi) a radio; (vii) a tactical radio; or (viii) a satellite radio.
 10. A communication device, comprising: a receiver to receive voice media created by a user of the communication device, the voice media intended for wireless transmission to a recipient; a storage element to store the received voice media intended for transmission to the recipient; a time-sensitivity element configured to determine if the received voice media is either time-sensitive or not time-sensitive, the time-sensitivity element determining that the received voice media is time-sensitive when the recipient is rendering the voice media “live” in a real-time mode or not time-sensitive when the recipient is not rendering the voice media live in the real-time mode; a position detector to determine when the communication device is placed a safe distance away from the user; and an RF transmitter configured to either: (i) wirelessly transmit the received voice media as it is being created by the user when the time-sensitivity element determines that the voice media is time-sensitive; or (ii) wirelessly transit the received voice media out of the storage element when (a) the time sensitivity element determines that the voice media is not time-sensitive and (b) the position detector determines that the communication device is placed a safe distance away from the user.
 11. The communication device of claim 10, wherein the storage element is further configured to store the voice media in a time-indexed format.
 12. The communication device of claim 10, wherein the storage element is a persistent storage element configured to persistently store the voice media.
 13. The communication device of claim 10, wherein the storage element and the RF transmitter are further configured to simultaneously and progressively store and wirelessly transmit the voice media, as the voice media is being created by the user, when the time-sensitivity element determines that the voice media is time-sensitive.
 14. The communication device of claim 10, further comprising an encode receive element configured to simultaneously and progressively encode and store the encoded voice media in the storage device as the voice media is being created by the user while using the communication device.
 15. The communication device of claim 10, wherein the receiver comprises a microphone.
 16. The communication device of claim 10, wherein the time-sensitivity element is further configured to determine the time-sensitivity of the voice media based on a declared intent by the recipient to render the voice media “live” in the real-time mode.
 17. The communication device of claim 10, wherein the time-sensitivity element is further configured to determine the time-sensitivity of the voice media by inferring based on the behavior of the recipient that the voice media is being rendered “live” in the real-time mode.
 18. The communication device of claim 10, wherein the position detector comprises one of the following: (i) a motion detector embedded in the communication device to determine when the communication device is no longer being held by the user; (ii) a capacitance sensor embedded in the communication device to determine when the communication device is no longer in contact with the user; (iii) a resistive sensor embedded in the communication device to determine when the communication device is no longer in contact with the user; (iv) an image detector embedded in the communication device to determine when the communication device is no longer being held near the head of the user; (v) a timer which times the RF transmission of the not time-sensitive voice media from the storage element a predetermined period of time after the timer has been set; or (vi) any combination of (i) through (v).
 19. The communication device of claim 10, wherein the position detector further determines the safe distance by determining when the communication device has been placed away from the head of the user.
 20. The communication device of claim 10, wherein the communication device is one of the following: (i) a wireless phone; (ii) a cellular phone; (iii) a mobile phone; (iv) a satellite phone; (v) a computer; (vi) a radio; (vii) a tactical radio; or (viii) a satellite radio. 